Handbag with detachable and interchangeable covers

ABSTRACT

A handbag system comprising a handbag base and at least one cover, wherein the handbag base comprises a first site of attachment and a first joining mechanism at the site of attachment, and the cover comprises a second site of attachment and a second joining mechanism that is compatible with the first joining mechanism, wherein the handbag base and the at least one cover can be securely and detachably joined together by engaging the first joining mechanism with the second joining mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/485,600, filed on Apr. 14, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to articles useful for carrying personal items, specifically handbags, also known as pocketbooks and purses, especially handbags typically carried by and used by women. Specifically, it relates to detachable and interchangeable handbag covers useful to alter the appearance and/or function of the handbag.

Background and Relevant Art

Handbags generally are known. Handbags come in various sizes and shapes, but generally are square, rectangular, trapezoidal, any of which can have one or more rounded corners, half-oval-or half-moon-shaped, or round, such as oval or circular. Handbag size can be sufficient to carry only a few, small personal items, such as credit cards and keys, or large enough to accommodate a larger number of items, which can be bulky, such as an overstuffed wallet, and as large as a tablet-type computer such as an iPad.

The base of a handbag can be flat or expandable, such as like an accordion, so as to provide the handbag with a variable depth, depending on how much space is required to hold the bag's contents. The top of a handbag can be open, and the opening can have one or more closure mechanisms, including, for example, one or more twist closure mechanisms, snaps and zippers. Instead of or in addition to such a closure mechanism, the bag can comprise a flap that folds over the top of the bag. The flap itself can be held in place by attaching to the bag by any means of attachment, such as a snap. Handbags can have a strap or handle for carrying, which may be detachable. Handbags generally are available in a variety of materials.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,684,054, to Platt et al. (“the '054 patent”), discusses handbags generally and purports to provide a means for changing a handbag's appearance by providing removable covers that fit around and attach to the bag part of the handbag. The removable cover is located on the entire full front side (this front side can be used as an individual bag such as a clutch) of the handbag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a handbag system comprising a handbag base and at least one cover, wherein the handbag base comprises a first site of attachment and a first attachment mechanism at the site of attachment, and the cover comprises a second site of attachment and a second attachment mechanism that is compatible with the first attachment mechanism, wherein the handbag base and the at least one cover can be securely and detachably joined together by engaging the first attachment mechanism with the second attachment mechanism. In one embodiment of this system, the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism together comprise one of a velcro system, a zipper system, a snap system, or a button system. Alternatively, the system comprises more than one attachment mechanism at both sites of attachment. For example, the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism together comprise a combination of two or more of a velcro system, a zipper system, a snap system, or a button system. In an embodiment, a handbag base and a cover are joined by means of a combination of snaps and buttons. The attachment mechanism in both systems performs a useful function and may simultaneously contribute to the design aesthetic of the handbag. In an embodiment of either system, the at least one cover comprises at least one non-decorative feature. The at least one non-decorative feature comprises at least one of a slip-in pocket and a closable pocket selected from a button pocket, a velcro pocket, a zipper pocket, and a snap pocket. The handbag base can comprise one or more dividers and or compartments to keep stored items separate from one another, and can comprise one or more internal and external pockets for holding, for example, a newspaper, magazine, glasses, keys, phone, wallet.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a cover suitable for use in the above-described system, such as the cover described above that comprises a site of attachment and an attachment mechanism at the site of attachment, wherein the attachment mechanism is compatible with another attachment mechanism that is part of a handbag base, such that the cover and base can be attached to and detached from one another. In preferred embodiments, the attachment mechanism is any one or more of a velcro system, a zipper system, a snap system, or a button system.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a handbag base suitable for use in the above-described system, such as the handbag base described above that comprises a site of attachment and an attachment mechanism at the site of attachment, wherein the attachment mechanism is compatible with another attachment mechanism that is part of a handbag cover, such that the cover and base can be attached to and detached from one another. In preferred embodiments, the attachment mechanism is any one or more of a velcro system, a zipper system, a snap system, or a button system.

In all of the described embodiments, the handbag base can be made of the same material(s) as the cover, or of different material(s). In all of the described embodiments, the handbag base can be the same color(s) and/or pattern as the cover, or of different color(s) and/or patterns. Suitable materials include leather (patent and non-patent), suede, vinyl, plastic, canvas, nylon, metal, wool, ripstop materials, and other fabrics and materials, and combinations of these. Preferred materials for the composition of the cover or handbag base include leather, faux leather, suede, faux suede, canvas, any woven fabric, and any natural fabric material, such as a plant-based material such as woven coconut leaves or woven baobao (also referred to as “baobab”) tree leaves.

The invention provides the useful feature of permitting different covers to be paired with one handbag base, and likewise permitting different bases to be paired with one handbag cover.

In an embodiment, the cover for use in the system comprises a fastener or closure mechanism for securing the cover in the closed position. In an embodiment, the handbag base for use in the system comprises a corresponding element that functions in conjunction with the fastener or closure mechanism to secure the cover in the closed position. The cover's fastener or closure mechanism can be, for example, one or more snaps, magnets, or latches, or any combination thereof. Such closure mechanisms are well known in the art.

The handbag base can be any convenient and suitable size and can be paired with any cover, so long as the handbag base and cover comprise compatible attachment mechanisms. Exemplary handbag bases have the following dimensions:

1. height 13½ inches (34.3 cm)×width 16 inches (40.6 cm)×depth 4 inches (10 cm), suitable for carrying, for example, a laptop computer; 2. height 7 inches (17.8 cm)×width 11.5 inches (29.2 cm)×depth 2 inches (5 cm), suitable, for example, for use as a clutch; 3. height 7 inches (17.8 cm)×width 8⅔ inches (22 cm)×depth 2.36 inches (6 cm), suitable for a variety of uses; or 4. height 7.1 inches (18 cm)×width 8.63 inches (22 cm)×depth 2.63 inches (6.5 cm).

In alternative embodiments, the handbag base may have any one of the above sets of dimensions plus or minus one inch (e.g. height 12½ to 14½ inches×width 15 to 17 inches×depth 3 to 5 inches, or height 6 to 8 inches×width 10½ to 12½ inches×depth 1 to 3 inches, or height 6 to 8 inches×width 7⅔ to 9⅔ inches×depth 1.36 to 3.36 inches, or height 6.1 to 8.1 inches×width 7.63 to 9.63 inches×depth 1.63 to 3.63 inches). In alternative embodiments, the handbag base may have other dimensions appropriate to its use or purpose.

The cover is appropriately sized to fit the handbag base. Non-limiting examples of appropriate fit are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The handbag base of the invention can have any shape, including but not limited to conventional shapes such as square, rectangular, trapezoidal, any of which can have one or more rounded corners, half-oval- or half-moon-shaped, or round, such as oval or circular. Some such shapes are shown in the accompanying figures. Likewise, the handbag cover of the invention can have any shape, including conventional shapes. In preferred embodiments, the handbag cover of the invention attaches to one side (e.g., the back) of the handbag base and extends up and across the top of the handbag base and then extends down along the other side (e.g., the front) of the handbag base. In various embodiments, the handbag cover may extend to any point along the front of the handbag base, for example half-way down the front, ⅔ or ¾ of the way down the front, or all the way down the front of the handbag base. The portion of the cover that extends along the front of the base may be referred to as the “flap.”

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a front view of two embodiments 1 a and 1 b of the handbag system of the invention in the joined configuration, that is, in the configuration in which the cover and the handbag base are attached to each other.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of two embodiments of the handbag base of the handbag system of the invention and four embodiments of the interchangeable cover of the invention, in which the bases and covers are in the detached configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of two embodiments 1 a and 1 b of the handbag system of the invention and illustrates a pushbutton embodiment of the attachment system for detachably joining the interchangeable cover to the handbag base.

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of two embodiments 1 a and 1 b of the handbag system of the invention and illustrates a generic attachment system for detachably joining the interchangeable cover to the handbag base.

FIGS. 5A-5D show side views of stages in attaching an interchangeable cover of the invention to a handbag base of the invention using the pushbutton attachment system.

FIGS. 6A-6D show side views of stages in attaching an interchangeable cover of the invention to a handbag base of the invention using a generic attachment system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the handbag system of the invention can comprise handbag bases of different shapes and covers of different shapes. System 1 a shows a first handbag base 10 having approximately squared corners and an approximately rectangular bottom and a first cover 12 comprising a front flap 13 that has an approximately trapezoidal shape. System 1 b shows a second handbag base 20 having an approximately semicircular shape and a cover 22 comprising a rounded front flap 23. FIG. 1 shows the handbag base and cover in the joined configuration. The system of the invention can accommodate a large variety of handbag base shapes and cover shapes. Systems 1 a and 1 b are shown having an optional strap 14 and 24, respectively. Handbag systems of the invention can have straps of different and/or variable lengths, or instead optionally have a handle. Handles and straps are optionally removable. Such straps and handles are well-known in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the system of the invention comprises a cover and a handbag base that can be detachably or reversibly joined to each other by means of an attachment mechanism. FIG. 2 shows handbag bases 10 a and 20 a and covers 12, 22 a, 32 a, and 42 in the detached configuration. The cover of the invention comprises one part of a reversible attachment mechanism, and the handbag base of the invention comprises the other part of the reversible attachment mechanism, such that the cover and the handbag base can be joined and disjoined or detached according to the user's need or desire. In FIG. 2, covers 12, 22 a, 32 a and 42 comprise, as a means of attachment, a row of pushbuttons 16, 26, 36 and 46 (partially obscured in this view), respectively. Handbag bases 10 a and 20 a comprise a row of compatible and correspondingly spaced pushbutton receivers 18 and 28, respectively, such that any of covers 12, 22 a, 32 a, and 42 can be detachably joined or attached to either handbag base 10 a or 20 a. This illustrates the principle that a handbag base of the invention is compatible with a variety of covers, and also illustrates the principle that the cover of the invention can be paired with a variety of different handbag bases.

Referring now to FIG. 3, handbag systems 1 a and 1 b are shown from the back. The pushbuttons 16 and 26 are shown aligned with pushbutton receivers 18 and 28, respectively, such that the covers 32 a and 22 a can be detachably joined to handbag bases 10 a and 20 a, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the attachment end of the covers is inside the bag. In alternative embodiments, the attachment end of the cover is outside the bag. In other embodiments, an attachment mechanism is used that permits the edge of the cover to attach to the edge of the bag.

Referring now to FIG. 4, handbag systems 1 a and 1 b are again shown from the back. Generic attachment mechanisms 56 and 66 on covers 32 b and 22 b, respectively, are aligned with generic receivers 58 and 68, respectively, on handbag bases 10 b and 20 b such that the covers 32 b and 22 b can be detachably joined to handbag bases 10 b and 20 b, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the attachment end of the covers is inside the bag. In alternative embodiments, the attachment end of the cover is outside the bag. In other embodiments, an attachment mechanism is used that permits the edge of the cover to attach to the edge of the bag. In various embodiments of the invention, the generic attachment systems can be zippers, buttons, velcro, or any other suitable attachment system. Attachment systems are well-known in the art. In various embodiments, the generic attachment system can comprise a combination of two or more attachment systems, such as a combination of velcro and buttons or a combination of velcro and a zipper.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the assembly of a handbag system of the invention is shown. Cover 32 a (FIG. 5A) is brought into close proximity (FIG. 5B) to handbag base 10 a such that pushbuttons 16 are aligned with and in contact with pushbutton receivers 18 (FIG. 5C), located on handbag base 10 a, such that cover 32 a and handbag base 10 a can be joined by engaging the pushbuttons 16 with pushbutton receivers 18 (FIG. 5D). Cover 32 a can be detached from handbag base 10 a by disengaging pushbuttons 16 from pushbutton receivers 18.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the assembly of a handbag system of the invention is shown. The same sequence of steps is employed in FIG. 6 as in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 differs from FIG. 5 in using generic attachment mechanism 56 on cover 32 b and generic receiver 58 on handbag base 10 b. Thus, cover 32 b (FIG. 6A) is brought into close proximity (FIGS. 6B, 6C) to handbag base 10 b such that generic attachment mechanism 56 is aligned with and in contact with generic receiver 58, such that cover 32 b and handbag base 10 b can be joined by engaging the generic attachment mechanism 56 with generic receiver 58 (FIG. 6D). Cover 32 b can be detached from handbag base 10 b by disengaging generic attachment mechanism 56 from generic receiver 58.

The handbag base and cover of the invention can be manufactured by any conventional means known in the art and used to prepare conventional handbags, including manual and machine methods. 

1. A handbag system comprising a handbag base and at least one cover, wherein the handbag base comprises a first site of attachment and a first joining mechanism at the site of attachment, and the cover comprises a second site of attachment and a second joining mechanism that is compatible with the first joining mechanism, wherein the handbag base and the at least one cover can be securely and detachably joined together by engaging the first joining mechanism with the second joining mechanism.
 2. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein the first joining mechanism and the second joining mechanism together comprise a velcro system, a zipper system, a snap system, or a button system.
 3. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein the at least one cover comprises at least one non-decorative feature.
 4. The handbag system of claim 3, where the at least one non-decorative feature comprises at least one of a slip-in pocket and a closable pocket selected from a button pocket, a velcro pocket, a zipper pocket, and a snap pocket.
 5. A handbag cover suitable for use in the handbag system of claim
 1. 6. A handbag base suitable for use in the handbag system of claim
 1. 